Nikon D100 vs Nikon D70

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D100 compared with D70
NikonD100NikonD70
Overview
ReleasedJune 2002March 2004
Image and sensor
Camera typeDSLRDSLR
Sensor formatAPS-CAPS-C
Sensor typeCCDCCD
Sensor dimensions23.7 × 15.6 mm23.7 × 15.6 mm
Effective resolution6.1 MP6.1 MP
Largest image3008 × 20003008 × 2000
RAW recordingYesYes
Standard ISO range200–1600200–1600
Sensor detail23.7 × 15.6 mm RGB CCD, 6.1 million effective and 6.31 million total pixels; 12-bit sampling. Optical low-pass filter, with cleaning mirror lock requiring optional EH-5 mains adapter6.24 million total pixels; Image Dust Off reference data for software correction
Image formatsUncompressed or lossless-compressed 12-bit NEF RAW; uncompressed TIFF-RGB; JPEG Fine/Normal/Basic. Three colour modes for sRGB or Adobe RGB, adjustable sharpening, tone and hue; no simultaneous RAW/JPEG modeJPEG, compressed 12-bit NEF RAW and RAW plus Basic JPEG
ISO detailStandard ISO 200–1600 in one-third stops; Hi-1 and Hi-2 approximately ISO 3200 and 6400; automatic ISO control available–
Image processorHigh-speed image processing using a single-chip system LSI; no EXPEED designation in original maker sheet–
Lens and shooting
Lens mountNikon F mountNikon F mount
StabilisationOptical lens stabilisationOptical lens stabilisation
Maximum continuous burst3 fps3 fps
Lens detailNikon F mount with autofocus coupling and contacts; body autofocus motor. G/D AF Nikkor, other compatible AF lenses and AI-P supported with restrictions; non-CPU lenses only in M with no exposure meter. Current US page also claims AI metering and A mode, conflicting with its own non-CPU entry and original manual; original manual compatibility controls. E-type lenses incompatibleDX angle of view approximately 1.5× FX focal length; AF coupling supports compatible screw-drive lenses. Non-CPU AI lenses permit manual exposure without metering
AutofocusNikon Multi-CAM900 TTL phase detection; five selectable areas, single-area or dynamic AF with closest-subject priority; single/continuous servo and predictive tracking; -1 to +19 EV at ISO 100, 20°C; AF-assist illuminatorMulti-CAM 900 phase detection with five areas; AF-S and AF-C; single-area, dynamic-area and closest-subject modes
ShutterElectronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter, 1/4000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb; flash synchronisation up to 1/180 second. Optional mirror anti-shock delay; cleaning mirror lock is distinctCombined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter; 1/8000 to 30 seconds, Bulb and Time; flash sync 1/500 second
Burst detailApproximately 3 fps under Nikon's manual-focus, manual-exposure, 1/250-second-or-faster test. Manual buffer up to six frames or four RAW images; with noise reduction enabled, three frames or two RAW images; single-frame and self-timer modesApproximately 3 fps; DPReview measures four RAW frames before the initial rate slows, with longer JPEG bursts depending on card and quality
Stabilisation detailOptical VR depends on the attached lens; no sensor-shift stabilisationOptical VR depends on the attached lens; no sensor-shift stabilisation
FlashBuilt-in manually raised D-TTL Speedlight; manual guide number 18 m at ISO 200 or 12.7 m at ISO 100 in original manual; D-TTL guide number 17 m at ISO 200. Compatible external Speedlights, rear-curtain/slow/red-eye modes; no i-TTL; sync socket requires optional AS-15 shoe adapterPop-up i-TTL flash; guide number approximately 15 at ISO 200 in metres, 17 at full manual output; commander mode for compatible remote Speedlights
Exposure controlsP/S/A/M, 3D matrix, centre-weighted and spot metering; ±5 EV compensation; exposure/flash and white-balance bracketing. Original maker sheet specifies ten-segment SPD matrix meter; current US page says 1005-pixel CCD, a source conflictP/S/A/M, auto and scenes; 1005-pixel RGB metering; ±5 EV compensation
Screen and viewfinder
ViewfinderOpticalOptical
Screen size1.8″1.8″
Screen dots118,000130,000
TouchscreenNo–
Tilting screenNoNo
Display detailFixed 1.8-inch TFT for menus and image playback; current US specification and original sheet give 118000 dots, original manual approximately 120000. BM-2 protective cover and illuminated top status panelFixed TFT; maker rounds the resolution to approximately 130000 dots. DPReview quotes 134000
Viewfinder detailFixed pentaprism, approximately 95% coverage and 0.8× magnification with 50mm lens at infinity; selectable grid and depth-of-field preview. Current US and original sheet give 20 mm eyepoint; original manual 24 mm, retained as a source conflictPentamirror, approximately 95% coverage and 0.75× magnification with 50mm f/1.4 at infinity; 18 mm eyepoint; selectable grid
Connections and design
Battery life (maker's claim)370 photographs400 photographs
Body weight700.2 g595 g (better)
Release detailNikon's 2002 annual report retrospectively records launch in June 2002; no actual retail day claimedNikon Japan records 19 March 2004; main retains the month without assigning the Japanese day to every region
Recording mediaSingle CompactFlash Type I/II slot, Microdrive compatible; original approved capacities and models in manual, no inferred UDMA speed supportCompactFlash Type I/II and Microdrive
PortsUSB 1.1, switchable NTSC/PAL playback video output and EH-5 DC input. Optional MB-D100 adds ten-pin remote terminal; current US ten-pin listing does not distinguish this accessoryUSB 2.0 Full-Speed, 12 Mbps rather than Hi-Speed; analogue NTSC/PAL output; optional EH-5 AC adapter input
Wireless connectionsNo built-in wireless connectivity; optional Nikon Capture software provides USB remote camera control–
Battery life detailEN-EL3 lithium-ion battery; main 370 shots is the manual's single-frame Nikon test, not CIPA, at 20°C with AF-S 24–85mm, Large/Normal JPEG, flash every other shot and shutdown after ten shots. Separate continuous Medium/Basic JPEG test approximately 1600 shots. Optional MB-D100 takes one or two EN-EL3 batteries or six AA cellsEN-EL3; approximately 400 photographs in the manual's single-frame test with flash on alternate exposures, not labelled CIPA. A separate continuous test claims approximately 2000; supplied MS-D70 holder accepts three CR2 batteries
ChargingExternal MH-18 charger; optional MH-19 or EH-5 mains adapterExternal MH-18 charger
DimensionsOriginal manual and sheet approximately 144 × 116 × 80.5 mm; current US metric width 114.78 mm conflicts with its 5.7-inch width and original maker dimensionsApproximately 140 × 111 × 78 mm
Weight detailCurrent US approximately 700.2 g; original manual approximately 700 g without battery or memory cardApproximately 595 g excluding battery, card, body cap and monitor cover
ColoursBlack–
Video
Video detailNo movie recording or live-view shooting; NTSC/PAL output is for playbackStill-image camera without movie recording or live view
AudioVoice-memo recording and playback require optional MB-D100 grip; no built-in movie audio–

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